New Johnson Hagood Stadium opens Saturday

Saturday isn’t just another opening day for Bulldog football. It is also the opening of the new west side at Johnson Hagood Stadium.

Several years in the making, the $42 million expansion and revitalization of the Johnson Hagood stadium and creation of the National Guard Readiness Center is a project that underscores The Citadel’s ongoing commitment to providing the very best possible environment in which its student athletes can successfully compete. It also demonstrates The Citadel's commitment to supporting the greater Charleston community through the National Guard Readiness Center.

This is Phase III of the stadium renovation project. The Altman Athletic Center construction and West side stands replacement were completed in 2001 and 2006. Phase IV will include a complete renovation of the East side stands.

Here’s a look at what football fans will see this weekend when The Citadel opens its season against Webber International. Concessions will include, Dippin Dots, Chick-fil-A and Home Team BBQ. All fans are encourage to wear white for the "White Out" game against Webber sponsored by AT&T and presented by Jones Ford.

Two large outdoor club-level terraces overlooking the football field and the Ashley River .

New scoreboard, video screen and sound system.

Spacious, attractive entrance plaza with enhanced accessibility

Readiness Center for the South Carolina National Guard

Fast Facts

Project Completion Date: August 2008

Seating Capacity: 22,000

Multi-Purpose Facility: The revitalized Johnson Hagood Stadium will also house the South Carolina National Guard Readiness. This facility will house the 218 Infantry Brigade (Mechanized) and become an emergency operations center for Charleston and South Carolina during hurricanes, floods, and other emergencies. The Citadel and the South Carolina National Guard will share classrooms and conference rooms within the facility.

Total Project Cost: $42 million

Revenue

After any debt service is paid, rental income from the new facility will generate approximately $1 million annually to sustain the college’s athletic program and augment available athletic scholarship funds.

This revenue will enable the college to redirect the unrestricted funds that had been used to support athletic scholarships toward other campus priorities.

Scoreboard: The Citadel currently boasts the largest scoreboard in the state of South Carolina, featuring a huge video board that can display replays, live action, and more. Provided by Daktronics, the scoreboard is the width of the field’s playing surface and includes a state-of-the-art sound system.

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